Kyle Triplett
Regional Sales Manager, Cleveland, OH
From outstanding Intern to Manager and MBA. An opportunity optimizer. Believes solutions are not one size fits all.
Kyle Triplett has done a lot in a decade. Since joining Olympic Steel as an intern in 2011, he’s worked his way from Production Planning Associate to Inside Sales before earning positions of increasing responsibility as an Account Manager for Central Ohio, Cleveland Purchasing Manager and, his current role, Regional Sales Manager. Along the way, he took advantage of Olympic Steel’s Educational Assistance Policy to knock out his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio University.
Kyle is clearly a hard worker. He credits his growth to opportunities provided by Olympic Steel and the mentors he’s had along the way, especially David Wolfort, then President and Chief Operating Officer of Olympic Steel, who introduced him to the Company and the steel industry. “Training has been important – whether through MSCI or other industry programs. But, the two biggest sources of support have been the Company’s assistance in attaining my MBA with the tuition reimbursement program and support from my colleagues and staff throughout the organization. Everyone has been very good to me and helpful since day one – coaching and teaching me the ropes and giving me advice. Comradery with my coworkers throughout my career has made all the difference.”
Training and support are important, but how you apply what you’ve learned is what makes the difference. To Kyle, collaboration is key. He believes there is no “one size fits all” solution, which means getting multiple perspectives and keeping every stakeholder – internal and external – in mind. “Treat each challenge as its own – no one problem or opportunity is the same. When you’re in sales, you need to do what’s best for the Company and, at the end of the day, receive orders while representing the customer with purpose.”
Engaging others is not only Kyle’s solution for problem solving. It’s also his recipe for professional success. “Ask questions. Spend time learning about all departments / segments of the business – sales, safety, purchasing, etc. – to help determine which area you fit best. Share your thoughts and show your interest. It will provide opportunities for you. Be candid about your interests.”
Clearly, it’s a recipe that’s worked for Kyle. He’s accomplished a lot, but when asked about his proudest moments and what he loves about working at Olympic Steel, it all comes back to his team and the people he’s worked with throughout his career. “Countless people have been part of my professional development. We’re a large company, but you still have the feeling of a small, family-owned business. Access and availability of people and leadership have been phenomenal. I’m fortunate to have a great sales team that I get to work with across my region – a great group of professionals. It’s a pleasure to work with them representing Olympic Steel on a daily basis.”
Yes, Kyle has accomplished a lot in his ten years with Olympic Steel. And, the future is bright. Says Kevin Miller, Cleveland General Manager, “Kyle is an individual that never complains and tackles everything head on. More importantly, no matter the circumstances, he is a man of integrity and embodies all of our Core Values.” It’s these traits that will see Kyle through the next decade of his career and beyond.
